I guess I'm just getting worried by the following observations. I think everyone really needs to be riding (even) more considerately. Anyone got a view? Hurtwood state that authorised trails are a way to keep riders away from other Hurtwood users but there clearly aren't enough to do this.
Up to 700 riders a day were using Barry Knows Best last summer as measured by electronic counters beneath the trail.
Yesterday morning around 11am I counted 40 riders stopped for tea at the Peaslake stores. Cars couldn't get through Peaslake easily due to riders spilling into the road. Peaslake car park was jammed to the extent cars were blocking each other in. One group I saw had around 30 riders in it. Many others were between 10-20.
To cope with the 'demand' more and more unauthorised trails are being built.
Despite the Hurtwood Mountain Bike Code stating that riders should avoid muddy trails to minimise damage many have been significantly cut up following the recent wet weather and riders continue to ride them in large numbers.
I saw two instances of locals yesterday getting very upset about it all.
(NB: I don't claim to be whiter than white on all of this but I am stepping up (paid up Friends of the Hurtwood member), keeping off footpaths, going out extra early when its quiet, avoiding cut up trails, being very friendly etc. etc.)
